1303. The Truth About GLP-1s: How They ACTUALLY Work, Who They're For + What Most People Get Wrong w/ Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford

Hey Heal Squad! If you've been confused, overwhelmed, or just a little skeptical about everything you're hearing about GLP-1 medications right now, ya might want to listen to this one! Today Maria sits down with Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford. She is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, and one of fewer than 15 physicians in the entire country who has completed more than one year of fellowship training specifically in obesity medicine. Maria first met Dr. Fatima at a Patriots game in Boston, and what struck her wasn't just the credentials, it was how differently she talked about weight, the human body, and the people she treats. Literally, this became a true eye-opening science conversation about the GLP-1 space. Dr. Fatima breaks down what a GLP-1 actually is, why fat is literally an organ in the body, how our brains regulate weight through specific biological pathways, and why genetics, circadian rhythm, trauma, and environment all play a role in why some people's bodies hold onto weight no matter what they do. Then the conversation took a turn that genuinely surprised us. Dr. Fatima reveals that GLP-1 receptors exist throughout the entire body (not just in the gut, like most of us think!). which is why these medications are already being approved for conditions far beyond weight loss. Take a listen, it’s a great conversation before you form any opinion. Enjoy!

HEALERS & HEAL LINERS

• GLP-1s Are Not a Trend — They're a 20-Year Story: Dr. Fatima explains why they've been in development and clinical use for over two decades, and why the reason we're hearing about them now comes down to one thing — potency. The science didn't change. The strength finally caught up.

• Obesity Is a Disease, Not a Decision: One of the most powerful moments in this episode is when Dr. Fatima dismantles the idea that weight is simply about discipline. From genetics and brain signaling to circadian rhythm disruption and weight-promoting medications, she lays out the real biology behind why people carry excess weight.

• Your Body Is Fighting Back — On Purpose: Physical activity helps you maintain your weight, but it does not help you drop it. She explains exactly why the body defends its set point and what it actually takes to change it.

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ABOUT MARIA MENOUNOS:

Emmy Award-winning journalist, TV personality, actress, 2x NYT best-selling author, former pro-wrestler and brain tumor survivor, Maria Menounos’ passion is to see others heal and to get better in all areas of life.

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